Recall 17V534 affects 30 2016 Autocar Xpert and Xspotter vehicles for an under-torqued steer-axle nut. Repair is free at any franchised Autocar dealer.
Autocar is recalling 30 2016 Xpert and Xspotter vehicles because the castellated nut on certain Dana Spicer steer axles was not properly torqued, letting the tie rod loosen. If the tie rod disconnects from the steering knuckle, the driver loses steering, increasing crash risk; Autocar dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2016 Autocar Xpert and Xspotter use a tie rod as part of the steering linkage. The tie rod connects steering movement from the axle linkage to the wheel end, so the wheels turn in the direction the driver commands. A castellated nut helps clamp that connection at the steer axle knuckle.
On affected trucks equipped with Dana Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles, that castellated nut was not torqued tightly enough during assembly. When the nut is loose, the tie rod taper joint does not stay firmly seated in the knuckle. The joint can loosen further while the truck is being driven, which reduces steering control and can damage nearby parts.
Before the tie rod disconnects, the driver should have a clear warning sign. Watch for unusual steering noise or steering that feels loose compared with normal operation.
Who's affected?
Covers Xpert and Xspotter trucks under two steering component listings: steering system and tie rod (steering linkage).
| 2016 Autocar Xpert | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2016 Autocar Xpert | steering system |
| 2016 Autocar Xspotter | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2016 Autocar Xspotter | steering system |
| Units affected | 30 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loosening tie rod can disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing complete loss of steering and increasing crash risk. Before disconnection, drivers should get significant warning, including noise or loosened steering. If you notice either sign, park the vehicle and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Autocar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Autocar Xpert or Xspotter is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Autocar dealer to schedule the free steer-axle castellated-nut and tie-rod torque inspection that addresses the loose tie rod.
- Bring the recall notice if Autocar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V534 when you call.
- Drive only as needed until the inspection and repair are complete; stop and call the dealer if steering feels loose or abnormal.
- Call Autocar customer service at 1-877-777-5360 with questions about scheduling or recall coverage.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Autocar technician inspects the torque on the castellated nut and tie rod for the steer axle. If the nut or tie rod is not tightened to specification, the technician tightens it as needed. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered. Autocar has a general reimbursement plan on file. If you already paid for this specific repair before the recall work, ask Autocar customer service or the dealer how the plan applies to documented costs.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 29, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 20, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 20, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| September 20, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 21, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V534?
Recall 17V534 covers 30 2016 Autocar Xpert and Xspotter vehicles with certain Dana Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axle tie rod was not torqued correctly, so the tie rod can loosen. Autocar dealers will inspect and tighten the hardware for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Autocar Xpert or Xspotter is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V534. If it is, contact a franchised Autocar dealer to schedule the steering inspection and tightening work. Reference recall number 17V534 and Autocar recall number MDTT-1701 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Autocar dealers will inspect the castellated nut and tie rod torque, then tighten the hardware as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V534?
The risk is loss of steering control. If the tie rod loosens, it can disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and raising the risk of a crash. The free dealer inspection checks the tie rod hardware before that failure occurs.
What if I bought the Autocar Xpert or Xspotter used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2016 Autocar Xpert or Xspotter is included, then call a franchised Autocar dealer or Autocar customer service at 1-877-777-5360.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V534000 |
|---|---|
| Autocar customer service | 1-877-777-5360 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V534 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V534000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →